Insuremyhouse.ie Pat Duffy Seven-time National Cup winners UCC Demons defeated Energywise Ireland Neptunes 100-93 in a thrilling extra-time game at Neptune Stadium on Friday.
2022 finalists Energywise Ireland Neptune got off to a bright start, leading by four points, 25-21, at the end of the first quarter.
Energy-wise, the Irish Neptunes extended their advantage in the second quarter, with Irish representative Jordan Blount standing out with 18 points by halftime, taking a 51-39 lead by halftime.
The UCC Demons had the upper hand in the third quarter, as coach Daniel O’Mahony’s team came back with a ferocious comeback and the impressive Seventh Woods hit a 3-pointer to cut the lead to four points at 58-54. A minute later, both teams were tied at 58 points apiece thanks to a basket from James Beckham. David Lehane’s three in the final moments of the third inning drew an enthusiastic reaction from Demons fans who felt their team had momentum and the Demons would be up 72-68 by the end of the quarter. Ta.
Downey’s 3 with four minutes remaining gave Neptune an 80-78 lead. The Demons responded with a 3-point jump shot by James Hannigan to make it 85-80. Seconds later, Downey hit his second triple from the same position.
The game was tied 87-87 with 53 seconds left after Andrew Gardner’s basket. Both sides had a chance to win, with Neptune holding the ball with 28.3 seconds left, but Derek Murphy’s jump shot didn’t fall. The UCC Demons possessed the ball with 8.4 seconds left, and the fast-paced Woods drove toward the basket, but the American also missed.
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The UCC Demons appeared to have momentum, leading 93-88 when James Beckham hit a jump shot, but Blount’s 3-pointer cut it back to two points, 93-91. That was to be his final contribution. Shortly after, he picked up his fifth foul and left the game, with Neptune trailing 95-91.
Tillman, who was dominant in the paint all-game, made it on a two-point shot in the final minute, drawing a foul in the process. This happened with the UCC Demons leading 100-93 with less than a minute left. It will end.
UCC Demons head coach Daniel O’Mahony said: “At half-time I said it’s over, move on, we’re where we are now.” I sat here complaining for 10 minutes and said, “It’s over, let’s move on, we’re where we are,” UCC Demons head coach Daniel O’Mahony said. You can leave, or you can go outside and all come together and play basketball for 20 minutes.”
UCC Demons, who last lifted the trophy in 2015, will face Irish Guide Dogs Ballincollig @MTU in the Pat Duffy Cup Final at the National Basketball Arena on Saturday 20th January, 2022 They will face the winners, Garvey’s Tralee Warriors. Stream live on TG4 and Basketballireland.tv.
Neptune in Ireland energetically:
Justin Raheem, Kelvin O’Donoghue, Cian Heaphy, Derek Murphy, Caleb Leahy, Roy Downey, Conor O’Sullivan, Jordan Blount, Adam Heaphy, Nir Sabata, Dylan O’Rourke, Sean Ryan , Andrew Gardner.
Head coach: Paul Kelleher
Top scorer: Jordan Blount 23, Roy Downey 17, Derek Murphy 16
UCC daemon:
Scott Hannigan, D’Andre Johnson, James Beckham, Jack O’Leary, Kyle Hosford, James Hannigan, David Lehane, Tara Pham Thiam, Carlton Cuffe, Sian Rooney, Seventh Woods, James Tobin .
Head coach: Daniel O’Mahony
Top scorer: Seventh Woods 25, Elijah Tillman 24, James Hannigan 17
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